In a surprising turn of events, Zai, the renowned Dota 2 player, has hinted at retirement following Team Liquid’s underwhelming performance at The International 2023. Despite their consistent top finishes throughout the season, Liquid fell short once again, leaving Zai contemplating his future in the competitive scene.
After suffering two consecutive 2-1 losses, Zai expressed his disappointment with his own gameplay, particularly in the final match where he racked up 11 deaths as Centaur Warrunner. Recognizing that his performance did not meet the high standards of the competition, Zai acknowledged that this might have been his last appearance at TI.
While uncertain about the specifics of his break, Zai emphasized the need for some time away from the game. He mentioned that his teammate, Blitz, jokingly suggested he should leave the team after his Centaur performance. Although Zai’s retirement is not confirmed, he intends to take a step back and evaluate his future in Dota 2.
Despite their lack of major victories, Team Liquid had a strong season, securing five top-two finishes in various Major tournaments, including all three DPC Majors and Riyadh Masters. Zai acknowledged the team’s consistency but expressed a desire to achieve more, especially at TI.
Reflecting on his ninth TI appearance, Zai admitted that this particular tournament stung the most. Team Liquid finished in sixth place, falling short of their aspirations. However, Zai remained optimistic, stating that life goes on and there will be more opportunities in the future.
Blitz, Zai’s teammate, took to Twitter to express his gratitude for working with Zai and MATUMBAMAN, hinting that this iteration of Liquid might come to an end. He playfully stated that they would only kick Zai, emphasizing their camaraderie.
Puppey, Zai’s former captain, shed some light on the situation, revealing that Zai had contemplated taking a break in 2022 due to the immense stress associated with the game. Puppey mentioned that Zai often shoulders a significant burden in decision-making for the team.
Retirement in Dota 2 is not uncommon, with players frequently taking extended breaks before returning to competitive play. While Zai’s retirement is uncertain, he admitted that TI12 was a tough pill to swallow, especially after narrowly missing out on the lower bracket finals.
As the DPC disbands and Dota 2’s future becomes uncertain, only time will tell if Zai and Team Liquid will return for another campaign next year. For now, Zai walks away from TI12 without the coveted Aegis, leaving fans wondering what lies ahead for this talented player.
Source: DOTESPORTS
